Thumb Voting

Main Takeaways

Description of Thumb Voting

Thumb Voting is a voting format to agree upon alternatives after they are discussed extensively. To create the alternative proposals for group decisions, there are other formats.
Thumb Voting is a simple version of the group decision Five Finger Voting or Five-to-Fold facilitation for decision-making. A group has to decide in a very short time on a proposal and possible alternatives to solve the issue.

The participants debated extensively the proposal and it's alternatives in a discussion up-front, e.g. in a Five-to-Fold facilitation. Now, it is time to decide. — You can vote with your fingers (Thumb Voting, Five Fingers Voting) or with Coulored Cards.

Rules of Thumb Voting

One out of the group

Explains the issue shortly.

Offers the solution.

Fields questions — only short answers — no discussion.

Asks the group for their voting:

Thumb down: You want to block the proposal because you believe it’s damaging.

Thumb horizontal: You’re on board, you do not care about pro or cons.

Thumb up: You’re all-in and prepared to own the project. You’ll take the lead if asked.